Bob’s Backyard Barbeque — Restaurant in Hocking Township

Before I say anything , I will state that I was there on a Tuesday night and there was only one girl working. The place was quiet.

I give this place 4 stars because it is a family business and they all need help. Otherwise I can only give it 3 (average)

The place is LOADED with potential but just barely missing in so many places.

The food was quick on service but just average in taste. I wasn’t amazed with anything that I ate. I had the Beef Brisket and the Monte Carlo. Both average. The coleslaw was dry, and neither tangy nor sweet. If you like that, then this is for you, but I like sweet slaw with a good soaking! The cornbread casserole was tasty and had overtones of smoke! Most BBQ places are able to sell on the taste of the meat alone, but this place needed some flavor. They should provide options for how dry or wet you want the meat. The ambience could be amazing but it has a lackluster energy about the place. Maybe because it was a Tuesday, but I wish that there was some “Roadhouse” music or at least some “Blues” reverberations in the rustic dining room. Bring in some live music?

The walls were bare and there seemed to be no spirit in the room. There are beautiful wood beams and walls, but no real defining character. The tables and floor were clean so points for that. The price was definitely good! Parking was scarce and surprisingly crowded for just the two tables (including mine)in the dining room. I assume that the next door neighbor takes up all the spots.

All-in-all this is NOT a “gotta have it” but maybe you’ll have a better experience than me so it’s worth a try if you’re willing to find out for yourself.

So, hey owners, get some personality and excitement in this place because it may be the only thing that can keep you from the challenge of balancing good food and good fun in this competitive world of dining options.

I give it 3 belly rubs and a “keep trying” rally call. You’re almost there!

Let me know...

Their Christmas ham is delicious and I don't usually like ham. Our extended family enjoy it every year on Christmas Eve. I liked it so much that I went to try the restaurant.

All the meats are good and the sauces are excellent. During the pandemic we would order a pound or two of each meat and tubs of sauce to eat all week. We like it enough to eat it 5 days in a row.

I am allergic to artificial smoke flavoring, so most smoked foods makes me sick.

But, Bob's meats are really SMOKED, not flavored. It makes a huge difference. I enjoy the campfire taste. If you add the sauces, they add a tangy flavor. The sweet and sour has a sweet brown sugar-like flavor to complement the smokey meats and it is my favorite. But, there's not any that include the flavoring. I can recommend them all.

I absolutely love the food. I refuse anything smoked anywhere else, but I can choose anything at Bob's without worrying about ingredients that make me sick. I love the cheesy potatoes as a side, but they are all good, too.

I have only eaten inside once. The dining room was clean but not large. I was there in the afternoon so we were alone.

I find the carryout option the best for our family because everybody gets whatever they want. We buy tubs of the meats in deli-counter style by the pound. It seems like a better deal, too. The sides...

My wife and recently tried BBB for the first time and we were blown away. Being our first time, we tried a sampler of everything on the menu and it all far exceeded our expectations. The ribs were fall off the bone and very meaty and seasoned to perfection(no sauce needed). The other meat items were mouth watering juicy and tender and also seasoned perfectly. The sides were so good it was hard to decide which one to get on our return visit which was equally as delicious. They also have several sauce options they make in house which pair very well with the meats.

If you're looking for Southeast Ohio's best BBQ destination, skip the joints in Logan and get the best at Bob's. Run by a great local family that know how to serve their customers and provide excellent food. One last observation, the staff at Bob's had a great attitude and seemed genuinely happy to be there and to serve us. It's so refreshing to dine in and be served by folks that have a smile on their face and enjoy their work.

They also deliver via Doordash and Grubhub which is great but do them a favor and order through their website which saves them tremendous service fees. Their prices are extremely fair so let's help them in any way we can.

Keep up the good work BBB and we'll see you again...